The cost of a Super Bowl essential – chicken wings – is projected to rise slightly as fans prepare for Super Bowl LIX, as per a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.
In recent years, chicken wings, comprising flats and drumettes, have surged in popularity among sports aficionados, with demand peaking during major sporting events.
Dr. David Anderson, an economist with AgriLife Extension in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, indicated that the fondness for wings isn’t anticipated to wane anytime soon.
“The Super Bowl has always spurred demand for wings, and that trend is unlikely to alter,” Anderson stated. “However, wings have also emerged as a regular menu item, which signifies we are witnessing additional surges throughout the year likely influenced by supply and demand.”
The National Chicken Council forecasts that 1.47 billion chicken wings will be enjoyed around the February 9 football clash for the Lombardi Trophy featuring the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles.
To provide context, if aligned end to end, these 1.47 billion wings would wrap around the Earth more than three times, according to the National Chicken Council announcement.
Prices for Wings Increase Amidsoaring Demand
The rising popularity of wings has transformed what was once a neglected portion of meat into one of the most coveted dishes during sports events.
“Wings were a poultry segment that used to be effectively worthless,” Anderson remarked. “Then someone slathered them in buffalo sauce and paired them with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Now, eateries nationwide are eager to leverage that popularity.”
This year, he mentioned, fans can anticipate paying a bit more per pound for wings than the previous year, but wholesale prices are significantly lower than just six months prior. Current wholesale prices are $1.91 per pound compared to $1.76 per pound, reflecting an 8.3% increase compared to the same week last year, Anderson noted. However, that’s well beneath the $2.65 per pound peak wings hit in June 2024.
Anderson pointed out that while recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have greatly affected laying hens for egg production, it has had minimal impact on broilers intended for meat production. Their shorter production cycle mitigates exposure risks, ensuring a consistent supply of chicken wings for the upcoming big game.
The elevated prices surrounding the Super Bowl are solely attributed to the extraordinarily high demand as game day approaches, he explained. The fluctuations in prices throughout the remainder of the year are linked to production levels, demand, and other elements like feed costs.
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